Summer Rainbows

I love the monsoon season.  I’ve written about this before, but there’s always something new and facscinating when watching these storms roll in.  This year has brought the best rainbows I’ve ever seen.  Often the sky is filled with multiple rainbows, showcasing themselves against the grey sky.  And when you locate 1 or 4 and point them out to your kids, you’re hard pressed to find a stranger who doesn’t stop and look to appreciate the sight as well.  Rainbows are such an undeniable metaphor for life (as most things in nature are). 

Of course, the storms also allow for slowing down and t.v. days.  Sometimes when you live in a place where the weather is nice all the time, its great to have an excuse NOT to go outside.  So, in July, as the monsoon rolls in, we have a few fun days.  Pitch an indoor tent, make some popcorn and have a movie marathon!  The break is much needed.  The beginning of July was very busy with much celebration. As usual we went to visit Nana and Pops in Georgia for the 4th of July family reunion.  This year was a little different as we had a lot of special occasions to celerbrate. 

First and foremost, we had a fabulous ceremony to celebrate mom and dad’s 40th wedding anniversary.  Those 40 years will be official in December, but while we were all together we decided to commemorate the feat!  As most of you know, mom and dad did not have the wedding of their dreams the first time around.  So 40 years later they rectified that by renewing their vows at a meaningful ceremony with family and friends, complete with two baptisms welcoming Quin and Reagan into the family.  It was a wonderful way to highlight how the communion of two people can transform many lives, and their legacy lives on through their grandchildren.  We were so fortunate to have Jane and Mike present as well as all the Baratians–my mom’s sister’s family and all their kids.  It made for a great time catching up, reliving memories and celebrating how two people can bring together so many people. 

As mentioned above, we also celebrated Quin and Reagan’s baptisms, which were perfectly injected into the vow renewal ceremony.  Its amazing how at just 7 months old, Quin and Reagan can have such different personalities–both of which were on full display in the pictures.  Quin, the laid back, happy little baby with the huge smile on his face.  Reagan, the pensive, reserved little baby with the pissed-off look on her face.  In the pictures they were side by side, one with a giant grin, the other with a furrowed brow.  My dad would say the furrowed brow is definitely from me, but at this point, I think she’s totally Craig’s baby! 

Both girls are doing fabulously well.  I can’t believe Reagan is 7 months old.  She’s scooting around on her bottom, rolling across the living room and getting her second tooth.  Yesterday Craig told me she said, “Hey, dad”.   Seriously, though, I swear she says all done.  I mean, how else would you interpret “ahhh dahhh” after she finishes a bottle?  Granted, its like 30 minutes after she finishes the bottle, but, I mean, she’s a baby, you have to allow for the slow processing! 

Oh man what parenting brings out in you….

I am so proud of Taylor.  She is really growing into an amazing little girl.  This summer she’s been focusing on learning how to swim as well as taking Karate classes.  She has done well with both.  We got ourselves a ghetto pool for the backyard as it offered more convenience than swim lessons for about the same cost.  In just three short weeks she was swimming across the pool with her head under water.  And she did a lot of it on her own.  She’s extremely independent AND stubborn, but when she puts her mind to something she works hard to accomplish it.  I wasn’t allowed to help much, but it turns out she didn’t really need me after all. 

She’s also made leaps and bounds in Karate.  She LOVES her classes, which she attends 3 times a week, and we love how they’ve brought more focus, manners, and awareness into her life.  It has been a great investment for us and we hope she continues to enjoy it as much as she does now. 

Happy belated Birthday to Jane!  Her birthday was the 17th and fortunately we’ll be able to see her this week when they trek down to Arizona.  I’ll be getting a highly anticipated break from the girls as Grandmama and Papa venture into the world of caring for two…on their own!  I know Taylor and Reagan will have a great time!  And I plan to clean my house from top to bottom (and quite honestly, I can hardly wait!)

I’ll post more pictures as soon as I can figure out this new Picasa program.  Shouldn’t take long…

Here’s to less time inbetween posts–and health and happiness to you out there!